Alabama

Terrence Cody: A True Team Player

2008 started with Terrence Cody being known locally for his size, not ability. Experts knew he was big but, could he play with the great athletes of the SEC? The answer was a resounding yes as Cody demolished one offensive lineman after another. The first part of the season saw Cody constantly in the backfield disrupting play after play. The second half of 2008 saw him constantly demanding double teams. Terrence Cody was no longer an unknown in major college football. He was and is "Mount Cody".

Where has the Bama Nation's beloved defensive tackle been during Alabama's first two games? He's had no sacks. His four tackles rank tenth on the team. He has managed 2 and 1/2 tackles behind the line-of-scrimmage. So what's the deal? Has loss of weight from 395lbs to 365 lbs affected his performance... (sorry, I couldn't resist)...or has the complications of influenza drained his energy? Surely something must be wrong? The answer is no. He's merely doing his job. Period.

Everything in Nick Saban's 3-4 defense starts with Terrence Cody. His first responsibility is to demand a double team from the center and guard. This gives the linebackers more freedom to roam. His next job is to disrupt the middle and force the play outside. Finally, he has the opportunity to make a play by being in the right place. Alabama's success directly depends on Cody's unselfish ability to wreak havoc in the middle.

Some defensive tackle's sole responsibility is to acquire the attention of both the center and guard. They either align themselves on the center or in the "a" gap. (the gap between center and guard) Their goal is to dismantle the play by driving through both linemen into the backfield. These players don't command the respect of the guard initially. They have to earn the second lineman's attention so-to-speak. Upper tier players like Cody already have it from past performances. Basically, his first responsibility has already been accomplished by his past reputation as a terror. He understands the double team is evident and it allows him to concentrate on making plays in the backfield. Rival coaches very rarely try to block Cody with one single player. Of course, it's usually a play being ran to the outside and completely away from him. If not, the play usually ends with only two shoes being visible from under a 365 lb body. Like the movie, "The Wizard of Oz" when the wicked witch was crushed underneath Dorothy's house.

Terrence can move for his size. The first thing I noticed from junior college film was how well he moved laterally. He was literally making tackles on the sideline. Only upper echelon defensive tackles can do this at a high level. I'm not saying he'll be hawking down SEC running backs any time soon, but, it gives an idea of his athleticism.

I researched the career statistics of Albert Haynesworth and Grady Jackson. Both are considered elite defensive tackles. Jackson has played in 170 games during a thirteen year career. He amassed 364 tackles and 35.5 sacks. That's an average of 2.1 tackles and .21 sacks per game. Haynesworth, arguably the game's best DT, has played in 90 games over nine years. He's racked up 272 tackles and 24 sacks giving him an average of 3.02 tackles and .26 sacks per game. Their statistics are not overwhelming, but both are considered upper tier players. They play within a system where statistics are not the most important factor. The same can be said for Terrence Cody.

I can sometimes pay entirely too much attention to individual statistics. What's more important is that same player's overall performance in relation to their team's success. Last Saturday Terrence Cody stayed in Florida International's backfield so much that the U.S. Postal Service almost changed his permanent mailing address. I watched the game three times and still lost count. (I will admit to not being the sharpest tool in the shed) He didn't have alot of tackles or sacks. What he did was constantly whip two 300lb offensive lineman into submission.

Nick Saban preaches team play. Every player has a responsibility to do their job. Terrence Cody excels at his due to ability and unselfishness. Mr. Cody should enjoy next year's NFL draft. He has the tools to be a first rounder. If all goes well his future income will be a testament that statistics don't always reflect performance.